Sunday, March 18, 2018

FOUNDERS NOTE: The year 2017 found us actively trying to find innovative ways to bring to light the things we believe are important, such as nutrition and health and environmental issues. We are constantly thinking of better ways to be stronger in our communities and globally. For that reason we have added a GOING GREEN platform to our shoe distribution events. It is so importance to us that we utilize all and control waste. This has become such a crisis in the US and worldwide.

CHOOSE TO CARE'S MISSION: We have proudly continued our mission to provide a brand new pair of properly fitted shoes for the children and young adults in need, here at home and abroad.

EVENTS: For the year 2017 we held 3 shoe distribution events in the months of April, August and December. We also sponsored 2 schools in the State of Texas, through Donors Choose, Teachers Ask; the organization that helps teachers to gain supplies for their classrooms in impoverished areas throughout the US. In these schools the boys needed running shoes and basketball shoes.

SHINING OUR LIGHT: We have continued our collaboration with the Nutrition and Friends In Action group(NAFIA). These amazing volunteers assist in the planning of the events, from purchasing the shoes, labeling them for the right child, participating in the topics for the day,preparing the healthy dish that we gladly serve to seal our message of healthy choices, transporting everything to the venue and so much more. We also have on our team, two honorary members who contribute in their own special way; donating to our fundraising and another who puts together our videos from our events to help us tell our stories. We value this wonderful team!

MONEY RAISED: Through Macy's Shop For A Cause, a yearly event that allows charities to apply and if accepted, participate in their fundraising. This year for the first time, this was an on-line event and it created a buzz and competition. Choose To Care was also a winner of $500.00, a special prize offered through Crowd Rise Funding, the organization that handled the event for Macy's. Thanks to our friends also, for their support and belief in us. Our website, choosetocaresite.org shows our full IMPACT - our financial report.

WHAT's IN STORE?: For 2018 we want to propel ahead, finding creative ways to work with our communities to stem the waste that we see everywhere. There is such an urgency that we are starting from the ground up, with the young kids and the their families that we serve. On our mind also is the desire to expand our reach, particular when a disaster occurs. For now, a most grateful thank you, for whichever way you contributed to keep us going.

"Tell me and I forget,
Teach me and I may remember,
Involve me and I learn."